Only in Pequannock can a 5-1 start be considered a slow start to the field hockey season but that is exactly how the Panther girls portray their first six games.
In those six games Pequannock has shown the ability to win close games as they have outscored their opponents 16-10. After a 7-0 win over Butler and an 8-0 loss to Madison the Panthers have won their last four games but never by more then two goals.
"Although we seem to be starting a little slow we are eager to pick the level of play up and reach another high caliber like last years team," said senior captain Kelsey Finocchiaro.
After recording a hat trick in the season opener, Finocchiaro has scored five more goals. Last week Finocchiaro scored two overtime goals in a 3-1 win over West Milford and she scored the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Millburn on Wednesday.
"I was a little nervous coming into the season because I had my own shoes to fill," said Finocchiaro. "I didn't want to let my last years success intimidate me this year as I knew people had high expectations. This year, my goals were set to have another high scoring season, and to be a good team player on and off the field."
While being a good team player is something that is very important to Finocchiaro, being a good friend off the field is just as important. "I started playing field hockey freshman year of high school. This is my fourth year playing with my teammates and I couldn't ask for a better group of girls. They are definitely the best part about field hockey and we always have fun together whether we are working hard at practice or pigging out at pasta dinners."
While the responsibility that comes with being a member of the Pequannock High School field hockey program is not for everyone Finocchiaro seems to embrace the job with open arms. "Playing for the Pequannock Field Hockey team is pretty awesome. Although we practice at least three hours a day, it is worth it in the end when we end the season with a good record. It is hard to play for Pequannock however, because every team is out to get us, so we never have an easy game."
Finocchiaro, who has been leading the Panthers with her play on the field also paid tribute to teams long time coach Carole Schoen. "It is an honor to work with such a dedicated coach, Carole Schoen. It is cool to be a part of such history, and was extra neat to be a part of her 500th career win two years ago. Carole Schoen has truly brought such a positive, winning, legacy to the Pequannock field hockey team and to be a part of this, I am sure, will be a cherished life long memory."
When her season and career come to an end later this fall Finocchiaro and her teammates hope to have added another life long memory such as a county or state championship to their memory banks.
